When it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioning system, age is an important factor.
ENERGYSTAR
recommends replacing the air conditioning unit every 10 to 15 years, and the average lifespan of an air conditioning system is 15 to 20 years. If your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it with a more energy efficient unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. These high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.Before investing in a new HVAC unit, you should check your home and your HVAC unit for expensive air leaks. If only your air conditioning system could last forever, but unfortunately, the time will come when old HVAC systems need to be replaced. If you're wondering if your HVAC system needs to be replaced, a cost-benefit analysis can help you decide if repairing your old unit is as economical as simply replacing the unit completely. On moderately hot days, an older air conditioner can take longer to effectively cool the house, and it can even struggle to keep the house cool during the hot summer temperatures as it ages. Additionally, repairing an old system is more expensive and does not guarantee an extension of the system's lifespan.
Sealing leaks and properly insulating your home will help your air conditioning system work more efficiently, but if your current unit has passed the warranty period, you should consider replacing it. A new unit comes with a warranty, so if anything goes wrong, you'll be covered for a long time. If this is the case with your system, you should replace it as soon as possible. It's inevitable that every homeowner will have to choose between repairing or replacing their air conditioning system. Just because your air conditioning system is 10 years old doesn't mean you have to exhaust it and replace it right away, but it's a good time to start thinking about a new system.
An air leak could be the cause of the problem in your air conditioning system and will probably be less expensive than replacing it.
